Increasing customer expectations: Governments across the world are rapidly changing the way they engage with people to deliver modern, digital services to meet expectations typically set by the private sector.
An attempted cyber security compromise every 10 minutes1: The dependence on digital technology exposes vulnerabilities that threaten the safety of individuals, communities and businesses and must be met with extensive, intelligent safeguards and improved digital literacy.
Pace of technological evolution: Technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, connected devices and robotics are rapidly reshaping our world. The far-reaching implications for the privacy, safety and stability of our communities and businesses demands smart policy responses that can keep pace and evolve with technology.
156,000 new technology workers needed2: Rising demand for technology workers is further impacting the digital skills shortage in Australia. With businesses needing 156,000 new technology workers by 2025, rapid steps are needed to close the gap and ensure a sustainable local economy.
$1.5 billion of economic impact in job creation3: Maintaining Victoria’s position as a leading economy requires a competitive edge in digital infrastructure. There are significant opportunities to boost and drive sustainable growth by investing in new digital technologies and safeguards. By 2025, the digital economy could generate 8,000 jobs for Victorians, with a $1.5 billion economic benefit and a further $25-30 billion uplift in the Gross State Product through information, communication and technology services revenue.
2.5 million Australians remain offline4: People who don’t have access to technology or digital skills risk being left behind. Almost 2.5 million Australians remain offline and nearly one in 10 don’t have a personal desktop or laptop computer in their household. The social challenges faced by the most vulnerable in our society – such as accessing services and obtaining higher value jobs – are magnified by the increasing use of digital.
37% of Australians surveyed say their use of digital channels increased during Covid-195: Widespread reliance on technology during the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that digital connectivity, platforms and skills are rapidly becoming critical infrastructure, not just tools. The pandemic has highlighted that digital infrastructure is essential to providing government services and to the resilience of Victorian businesses and the economy more widely.
